The 2009 mens teams

Possible Silver Pier Quarter Finalists

Samurai International

Samurai International have won the tournament eight times, including the last four years on the trot and there are some who think Terry Sands and his teams should give someone else a chance. In 2008 the team was coached by Paul Treu, the South Africa Coach and contained many of the players who played for South Africa the following week at the IRB Sevens at Twickenham. Apart from a scare in the quarter-finals when they narrowly squeezed past Kooga Wailers 12-7 with a last gasp try, they sailed serenely through the tournament. In 2007 it was a lot less convincing and only a few unpopular refereeing decisions in the semi-final, including a sin-binning followed by a try in the last minutes, allowed Samurai to edge out Backstabbers 17-14. The final was also very tight with Samurai eventually winning 21-17 against Corso Marauders. We do not yet know who Terry will be bringing but, as usual, they will be the team to beat.

HFW Kooga Wailers

Kooga Wailers is another team that regularly reach the knock-out stages in Amsterdam and we fully expect to see them in the semi-finals or better. Already in 2009 they have finished as runners up at the Dubai 7s. In Amsterdam in 2008 the computerised draw for the Sunday games, based upon the performance on Saturday (tries scored etc.) saw them drawn against Samurai International consisting of most of the South African national side and coached by Paul Treu, the national coach. In a game that would have made an excellent final, Wailers were leading 7-0 after an early try. Only a last minute try gave Samurai a 12-7 win. In 2007 they lost out to Corso Marauders 24 -19 in a close semi-final. In 2006 they were the losing finalists, losing 36 - 14 to old rivals Samurai. The Kooga Wailers have strong connections with Newcastle Falcons, the Guinness Premiership team. Featuring for the team will be Tim Visser, the Dutch player spotted by the Falcons at the Amsterdam Sevens a few years ago and now playing for the Newcastle Falcons. Tim will also be acting as an ambassador for the tournament this year. The Amsterdam Sevens would like to give a mention to Kooga Wailers sponsors HFW. Without team sponsors many of the quality teams would not be able to make it to the tournament and we are happy to give the sponsors a mention.

Mels Exiles

Mel Williamson claims to have been to all 37 Amsterdam Sevens tournaments and we believe him, although we are too young to remember the early days. He has been bringing teams for many many years with success, having won the tournament four times in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1998. In the 21st century they always make the Silver Pier and usually make the quarter finals. In 2002 they made the semi-finals, losing out to Backstabbers 21 14 and in 2005 his Fijian based team, Mels Vanua Exiles, reached the final, only to lose out to Samurai 47 -28 in a high scoring match. Mel, as usual, is not saying much about his team (in case their clubs find out they are coming) but they will contain top players from around the world and will certainly make the quarter-finals and could do much better. Mel is an old fashioned "amateur" and manages to compete on a shoestring with the more slick, corporate sponsored teams. Mel will also bore you with all of his "luvvie" stories about the top stars he has worked with in his new career as an actor. Unfortunately none of them would put their hands in their pockets to sponsor the Exiles. If you want to help out with sponsoring or just want to find out more about the Exiles the web site is http://www.melsexiles.com. Late news is that Mel has added a certain Waisale Tikoisolomoni Serevi to his team as player coach.

Mel's Vanua Exiles

Mel Williamson had so many Pacific Islanders wanting to play with Mel's Exiles this year that he has resurrected his Mel's Vanua Exiles team. This team is made up of Fijians based in Europe. On their only previous incarnation in 2005 they reached the final, only to lose out to Samurai 47 -28 in a high scoring match. Our confident prediction is a semi-final place and possibly better.

Gilbert Stoned Pups

Stoned Pups will be trying to avoid Samurai International. In 2008 they ran into the South African flavour Samurai in the semi-finals, losing 35-0. In 2007 ran into Samurai on Sunday morning, losing 24 - 5. In 2006 Stoned Pups made the quarter finals, but Samurai were waiting for them and beat them 33-12. In 2004 they also made it through to the Silver Pier Pool games. They will certainly qualify for the Silver Pier, probably as top in their Saturday Pool, and we predict they will make the quarter finals. They have a real chance of getting to the semi-final and final but will be hoping to avoid Samurai.

The Original Marauders

The Original Marauders (the team formerly known as the Corso Marauders) were the last winners of the tournament before Samurai started monopolising it; they won the tournament in 2004 where they beat Susies Exiles 48-17 in the Battle of the Red Light District final. Last year, in a repeat of the 2004 final, they lost out narrowly to Susies Exiles 24-21 in the quarter finals. In 2007 they lost out narrowly in the final to Samurai 21-17. In 2006 they lost out in the semi-finals to Kooga Wailers. In 2003 they lost in the Final to the Scottish International side, the Scottish Thistles only on the golden try after ending normal time at 31-31 in the best final ever. We expect that they will be pushing Samurai all the way to the final and will certainly make the quarter finals. Clubhouse Caf Corso in the Red Light District will, as usual, be the centre of the Heineken Amsterdam Sevens night shift whatever the result.

Millfield Old Boys

The club restricts membership to former pupils of Millfield, a Public School famed for its sporting facilities and producing top sportsmen such as Gareth Edwards. Their performances over the years have therefore depended on which of the players are available, especially in the professional era as many Millfield Old Boys go on to a career in professional rugby. Recent performances include reaching the semi-finals (2005) and quarter-finals (2003) and they narrowly failed to make the quarter-finals in 2006 and 2008. However, their only silverware to date is an Integer Plate win on one of their early visits in 2001. The 2009 team will be captained by John Brake, who has represented England at 7's and a number of new faces who this year have been released by their clubs to play including Tom Powell, Tom Parker and Mark Odajobi. Coupled with their young and fast Academy players their strongest team ever should certainly make the quarter-finals and, we suspect, could even do better.

Plume of Feathers

Plume of Feathers, based in Carmarthen, West Wales, won the Amsterdam Sevens in 1989 and were regulars for many years. After a gap of a few years they returned in 2008 and, with a very young squad and made it into the Silver Pier. Their tournament ended on Sunday morning after defeats to Susies Christina Noble and Millfield Old Boys. They will do a lot better this year. They are promising three South Africans and a number of Welsh Premiership players. Their supporters have been in training since September and so should be in fine voice come May. Their mascot "The Last Working Miner in Wales" Harry will be make his final appearance before gracefully retiring from duty, however He is bringing an apprentice who will take over his duties next year. Expect a lot of singing & drinking from supporters, including many of their local sponsors. They are also aiming to be the best turned out squad in the tournament; the jerseys will be "rare", which I think is Welsh for impressive. If the team is as good as they claim we predict at least a quarter-final place.

Wooden Spoon AA's Blues

Wooden Spoon are "the children's charity of the rugby world. For 25 years Spoon has harnessed the spirit and values of rugby to give disadvantaged children in Britain and Ireland a chance to achieve their full potential in life", as they say on their web site www.woodenspoon.com and they have fantastic connections in the rugby world. All we know is that when they bring a Veterans side to the Amsterdam Sevens, they win. When they bring a Ladies side to the Amsterdam Sevens, they win. Now they are bringing a Men's Sevens team. Will they be the team to break the Samurai strangle hold. We perdict they will be there or thereabouts.

Probable Silver Pier Qualifiers

Hans Brinker Boertjies

Hans Brinker is famous for two things; putting his finger in the dyke (that is the "keep the water out" type of dyke, not the other type) and for his hotel in Amsterdam. In Holland and in the Amsterdam Sevens community the hotel is much better known - ask Dutch people about the Hans Brinker's finger and they will look at you as if you are mad. The story is in fact a actually a literary invention by the American writer Mary Elizabeth Mapes Dodge (1831-1905), who was born in New York. However, there is a statue of Hans Brinker in Halfweg, very close to the tournament site. Hans Brinker, the hotel, is where many of the Amsterdam Sevens regulars stay because it is right in the middle of town, welcomes rugby teams and is amazingly good value for money. Just like last year, Hans Brinker Hotel has made a late entry and again it has a strong South African component. Last year they also had a couple of Ascrum players to make up the numbers. The South African influence ensured they made it to the Silver Pier. The Ascrum influence ensured they lost out to the big boys on Sunday morning, Adidas Corso Marauders ending their tournament 48-7 in the Sunday morning Pools. Another Silver Pier qualification this year we think.

Old Wesley

Old Wesley are an Irish team consisting of players with a wide range of abilities from All Ireland League via semi-professionals to novice. Players come from teams such as Dublin clubs Old Wesley, Clontarf, St Mary's and Monkstown and Cork clubs Cork Constitutional, Dolphin and University College Cork. It feels like a Silver Pier team to us.

Moldova TU

Moldova TU (Technical University) are the champions of Moldova at 15-a-side and 7-a-side and many of their players play for their national side. In 2008 the Moldova national side played in the IRB Sevens tournaments at Twickenham the weekend after playing in Amsterdam and at Murrayfield the weekend after that. Tudor Procopi is again busy trying to get visas for his team at the moment. The development of Moldova Rugby, led by Tudor and his colleagues, is evident in their Amsterdam Sevens performances in both their national and TU formats. Boot qualification in 2003, losing in the final, and winning the Integer Plate in 2004 have been followed by Silver Pier qualification every year since (except 2006 when they were too late applying for visas). Last year they ran into Corso Marauders and a South African side, Hans Brinker Boertjes, in the Sunday Morning pools. Assuming Tudor gets the visas and brings enough players our prediction is that they will qualify for the Silver Pier but will struggle to make it into the Quarter Finals.

Dambusters

The Dambusters team is comprised of players from clubs around the South East of England including Blackheath, Southend, Henley, and Harpenden. The club had their conception at the Amsterdam 7's back in 2006 where they won the Heineken Boot competition. They enjoyed it so much they now come every year with 2009 being their fourth visit. Dambusters have entered other tournaments over the past couple of years and have had success at the Harpenden 7's for the past 2 years by reaching the junior final twice. Dambusters embrace the old fashioned values of Rugby where playing on Saturday and Sunday is fitted in between a heavy nighttime schedule in Amsterdam. We expect them to repeat their 2007 and 2008 performance of qualifying for the main tournament, the Silver Pier, on Sunday but the cumulative effect of their evening schedule means they will probably not make the Quarter-Finals and they could miss their plane on Monday (again).

617 Squadron.

617 Squadron is the development team of Dambusters Rugby combining young up and coming players with older experienced heads. Previously known as Dambusters Blue this team debuted at the Amsterdam Sevens in 2007 after the original Dambusters team had such a good weekend on their debut in 2006, including winning the Heineken Boot, that they had more than enough players for two teams in 2007. The team comprises players from clubs around the South East of England including Blackheath, Southend, Henley, and Harpenden. In both 2007 and 2008 we predicted they would be Heineken Boot qualifiers and on both occasions they exceeded our expectations. For 2009 we predict a Silver Pier qualification followed by heavy defeats from the "Big Boys" on Sunday morning. The Heineken Boot would probably give more opportunity for Sunday afternoon glory but would curtail their drinking time.

Witte Raven

Witte Raven are a Dutch invitational side who play 15-a-side games and 7-a-side tournaments. Only current and former Dutch international players can play for the Witte Raven. For the Amsterdam Sevens Witte Raven have managed to get the Netherlands national side to play for them for the second year running. In 2008 they were the only Dutch team to make it into the Silver Pier. On Sunday morning they beat Georgian Knights, the Georgian national side 7-5 but eventual finalists Samurai Barracudas were too strong for them, winning 36-5. We confidently expect Witte Raven to be Silver Pier qualifiers again this year.

Scorpion

This team is made up of German emerging players and will be coached by Rainer Kumm, the German national sevens coach. They will be equipped by Scorpion Sports Germany, so, if you like their kit, you know where to go. In 2008 Scorpion achieved the best result ever for a German team in reaching the Silver Pier. They even won a game in the Silver Pier, beating Cental Vikings 35-14, but Rugby Ecosse ended the dream with a 40-14 defeat. We expect another Silver Pier qualification for 2009.

Grande Milano for Chicken

Grande Milano for Chicken have been coming for years but completely overturned the form book and the performances of previous years by reaching the Silver Pier in 2008. They also kept the scores on Sunday against top teams Mel's Exiles (28-10) and Irish Exiles DHL 7 (42-12) to a respectable level. We think they could make the Silver Pier again but obviously it will depend on the extent of their Friday night partying!

Redingensians

Redingensians are currently second in South West Division 1, aiming for promotion to the National Leagues. Their sevens team has been reasonably successful over the past few years, winning in Benidorm on a number of occasions, reaching the International Overseas final in Dubai twice and winning the plate in Marbella 3 times. Redingensians were regular visitors in the 1990s and on their last visit in 2001 they qualified for the Silver Pier, losing to Marauders on Sunday. We expect a Silver Pier qualification.

International Marauders

The International Marauders have been coming for years and years and won the tournament in 1990, 1991 (with Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott and Peter Winterbottom) and 2000. Last year they returned in their own right after having left it to the Corso Marauders to carry the flag for a few years. They told me they would be competitive last year and justified our prediction by qualifying easily for the Silver Pier. They ran into the Stoned Pups in the Sunday morning Pools and were very narrowly defeated 26-21, ending their tournament. I do not have any information about this years International Marauders team but they will definitely qualify for the Silver Pier and my they could go further.

Ukraine

The national team of Ukraine, they are ranked eighth in the rankings of national teams in Europe. Ukraine have ventured westward before and won the Benidorm Sevens in 2008. Their success has emboldened them to come to Amsterdam. They should make the Silver Pier and possibly better.

Gegen 7s

Gegen 7s are the sevens team of the CSM-Gennevilliers club from Gennevilliers, a suburb to the north of Paris. They play in Federal 1, the third division in France. We have no idea how good their sevens team are but they should make the Silver Pier.

Probable Heineken Boot Qualifiers

Gumboots

Gumboots are a National league select side from Edinburgh, competing in their second Amsterdam Sevens competition. In 2008 they under-performed, something that happens regularly to teams here for the first time. They played in the Integer Plate and narrowly lost out in the Sunday Morning pools to the Czech national team (19-17). They claim they have learned from their mistakes last year and are looking to build a bright future for the Gumboots and showcase what Scotland has to offer in the way of bright young talent! We confidently expect them to do better this year, at least the Heineken Boot.

Tatra Smichov

Tatra Smchov are from Prague and they are the current champions of the Czech Republic at both 15-a-side and 7-a-side. They played in the Amsterdam Sevens forthe first time in 2008 where they qualified for the Integer Plate, reaching the final where they lost out 21-17 to The Templars. In 2008 the Czech national team were also playing. We think, with no Czech national team playing and the experience of having played last year, they will do better this year. They might make the Heineken Boot. You can read more about Tatra Smchov (in Czech) on www.tatrasmichov.com

Le Comb

In 2008 they played in the Integer Plate and went out on Sunday Morning. This was definitely a case of first time visitors who said their team was "young and fast"not handling the Amsterdam nightlife. Teams often learn from their first visit and do better in subsequent visits. We expect a Heineken Boot qualification. Le Comb are from the Paris suburb of Bagneux, Le Comb play in the national rugby division "Federal 3". They have a famous rugby academy and many of their players will have graduated from this academy. They will also be bringing some players from neighbouring clubs.

Catalunya

This is the national team of Catalonia (Catalunya). They have players playing in the top level of the Spanish competition. In 2008, on their first visit, they came up against the Moldova national team and top Scottish side Rugby Ecosse in the Saturday Pools and only made the Heineken Boot. They made it through to the Heineken Boot semi-finals where they lost 24-10 to eventual winners Rugby Dubai. They could make it into the Silver Pier this year (teams usually do better on their second visit) but this will depend on not having two strong teams in their Saturday Pool. A Heineken Boot qualification is more likely.

The Bowerman Boys

This team will mainly be made up of Nike employees from the Netherlands, the UK and as many other countries as they can get interested. There is a strong South African contingent. On their first visit in 2008 we expected them to be watching on Sunday. They exceeded our expectations by reaching the Heineken Boot and even managed a draw against Nanok of Denmark. Les Cadets d'Berge were too strong for them 35-10. We expect them to make the Heineken Boot again.

Kilbeg

Organiser Niall O'Brien played in Amsterdam in 2006 for Bahrain Vagabonds and felt it would be a good idea to bring some mates from his local rugby team along for 2009. The boys play at Junior level on Sundays and claim to have been the top Junior team in their province for the last 6 years and that many of the team have representative honours at various age levels. The fact that one of the players will be getting married shortly after the tournament and Niall will be best man leads me to believe that they will probably qualify for the Heineken Boot but Sunday Morning may see some decline in their form.

Leggies Legends

The team consists of players from national league teams including Blackheath, Southend, and Barking led by their talisman Simon Legg. That is all we know. Our best guess is that they will definitely make the Heineken Boot and might just make the Silver Pier.

Yug

Yug are the current Russian 7-a-side champions. Last year they won the tournament in Benidorm, were finalists of Champions League in Moscow and got to the Plate final in Dubai 2008. They could be Silver Pier candidates but we predict a Heineken Boot place.

VGA St. Maur

VGA is a French team from the suburbs of Paris who play in the Federale 2 division in France. They were here in 2003 and qualified for the Silver Pier where they lost out to Mel's Exiles and 't Gooi Caledonians in the Sunday morning pools. Our estimate is that the VGA Saint Maur team, composed of young and talented players who have been playing together for about 15 years, will certainly make the Heineken Boot and could make the Silver Pier. The fact it is a young team and they have not been since 2003 means we lean more towards Heineken Boot.

AAC

As the host club, AAC of Amsterdam have played every year since the tournament started. They tend to alternate between qualifying for the Silver Pier but going out in the Sunday Pools and qualifying for the Heineken Boot and reaching the knock-out stage. In 2008 they lost in the final of the Heineken Boot to Rugby Dubai 17-12. In 2002 they won the Heineken Boot. In 2004 they lost in the Final of the Heineken Boot. All other years since 2000 they have made it into the Silver Pier but not made it to the quarter finals. This year will be a Heineken Boot year we feel.

Dukes

Dutch side The Dukes from Den Bosch got to the Heineken Boot semi final in 2006 and to the Integer Plate final in 2005. In 2007 they made the Silver Pier but ran into Susies Saloon in the Sunday morning games, losing 40 - 5. Last year, as National 15-a-side and 7-a-side champions, they made it into the Heineken Boot and lost out to Catalunya in the Sunday morning pools. This year they were runners up in the 15-a-side league. Heineken Boot is realistic, possibly Silver Pier if they get a good draw in the Saturday Pool.

Bavarian Lions

A select side of the best players from the Bavarian Rugby Union with a mixture of skill level and experience including the 1st and 2nd Bundesligas and German regional leagues. Coaching Staff is also from various backgrounds with the same mix of experience. Within Bavaria they claim to have the largest selection of players to choose from, matching athleticism, sportsmanship, and skill to create the best 7's side possible from Germany. In 2008 the Scorpion team from Germany not only made it into the Silver Pier on Sunday but also won a game in the Sunday Pools. We therefore expect a Silver Pier qualification for the Bavarian Lions but would not be surprised if they only made the Heineken Boot.

Probable Integer Plate Qualifiers

URC Roma

Unione Rugby Capitolina come from Rome and play in the Italian Series A. In 2004 they qualified for the Integer Plate, losing out in the Sunday Morning pool games to DIOK Barbarians of the Netherlands 36-7. In 2005 they played in the Heineken Boot. In 2007 they also played in the Heineken Boot, narrowly losing out in the semi-final to Dutch team Hilversum 22 - 19. They dropped out in 2008. An Integer Plate qualification is likely but they could easily qualify for the Heineken Boot, depending upon the strength of the squad they bring.

t Gooi

From the middle of the Netherlands, 't Gooi are national 15-a-side champions after finishing third in the table they defeated LRC DIOK in the semi-final and Dukes 24-19 in the final. In the Amsterdam Sevens 't Gooi played in the Silver Pier for a few years, sometimes with "foreign" strengthening in the guise of 't Gooi Caledonians and 't Gooi Exiles. Last year they finished bottom of their Saturday Pool and did not play on Sunday. For 2009 possibly an Integer Plate qualification.

Alkmaar

Alkmaar were the surprise semi finalists at the Dutch National Sevens. They were going to be one of the reserve teams waiting at the gate, hoping for a team not to turn up on Saturday morning so that they could play. Now they have earned a place in their own right by reaching the semi-finals of the National Sevens and will walk proudly past the replacement reserve teams. Integer Plate perhaps. Great to see them at the tournnament.

LRC DIOK

LRC DIOK are from Leiden in the Netherlands. In 2002 DIOK qualified for the Silver Pier. In 2003 DIOK qualified for the Heineken Boot but lost out 19-12 to Castricum in the decisive Sunday morning pool game. In 2004 they brought over a couple of South Africans and a couple of Brits to boost the squad. They lost out in the final of the Integer Plate by 68-0. They won the 2009 National Sevens to qualify for the Amsterdam Sevens, beating Castricum in the final. Qualification for the Integer Plate is my prediction for this year.

Belgium

The national team of Belgium are coming. Belgian club and regional teams have not fared well in the past. They could make the Heineken Boot but that history leads us to predict an Integer Plate qualification as being more likely

CSR-Nanok

CSR-Nanok are Heineken Amsterdam Sevens regulars from Denmark and traditionally they lose all of their Saturday pool games and watch on Sunday. The change of format in 2006 and 2007 meant all teams played on Sunday but they were increasing bar takings fairly quickly. Back to the traditional format in 2008 we confidently expected them to lose all games on Saturday but they confounded our expectations by winning two games on Saturday (Dutch side LRC DIOK 19-0 and French side Plaisir 21-17) and ran the one of the Dambusters sides close (21-14). They even managed to draw a game on Sunday morning in the Heineken Boot against Bowerman Boys 14-14. Heady heights indeed. We think they will definitely be playing on Sunday but possibly the Integer Plate. Their website is www.csr-nanok.dk. Their website is www.csr-nanok.dk.

Beaverton Barbarians

First time visitors Beaverton Barbarians are a mix of current Dutch, English and Scottish Club league players. We have no idea how they will do. With no real evidence we predict an Integer Plate qualification but they could do much better - or worse.

Calamandran

Calamandran rugby is a social level rugby side from the South of France created with the intention of participating exclusively in sevens (and similar forms of) rugby tournaments. Calamandran rugby was an idea borne out of the participation of a group of players representing 'Amadeus' in the annual Sophia Antipolis games. The team did well. The players decided to form a real sevens side with the intention of competing in tournaments around Europe. The side is still in its infancy, Calamdran has so far played only in the Munich Oktoberfest sevens tournament, where they reached a quarter final and the CERAM student sevens competition staged in Cannes which they won. Injuries, call-offs and other lame excuses for not coming mean the Calmandran team will include a number of players from Haarlem. We feel, as first time visitors, the Amsterdam experience may mean they only make the Integer Plate.

Germania List

Translating from the German information provided, this is the Hannover side who played at the Amsterdam Sevens in 2006 when they qualified for the Heineken Boot. Hannover play in the German Bundesliga Division 2 North. We expect them to qualify for the Integer Plate and possibly the Heineken Boot. Good to see them back.

Guernsey Salty Sea Dogs

Guernsey RUFC has competed in the English national leagues since 1987 and recently were promoted to London Division 3 South West. Guernsey's biggest rivalry is obviously with fellow Channel Island Jersey (who play in London Division 1) whom they have beaten for the last two years in the annual SIAM Cup. The SIAM Cup is one of the oldest cups in the world along with the Calcutta cup, both of which are held at Twickenham museum. The Guernsey Salty Sea Dogs are an invitational side made primarily of players from the Guernsey RUFC. This multinational team includes a number of Kiwis, Aussies and of course a Guern or two. They expect at least an Integer Plate qualification, possibly Heineken Boot.

Sabbie Mobili

Sabbie Mobili (it means "quicksand" in Italian) is an invitational team set up in 2002 for the best young rugby players around Rome. They play in Sevens and Beach Rugby tournaments for Men, Ladies aand Youth players. The team's mission is to give the best young players from Rome the chance to play on the big stage. On their first visit to the Amsterdam Sevens in 2007 they qualified for the Heineken Boot but did not get past Sunday morning, losing out to French team Rugby Club d'Annemasse 19-10. Young teams under-performing on their first visit is a common theme, they may do better this year. They could make the Heineken Boot again but since they claim their aim is to "look for fun and good rugby playing!" we feel an Integer Plate run-out on Sunday is more likely.

Hypotheker Hounds

Dutch team "The Bassets" got a new sponsor (from their name we guess it is Dutch financial group "De Hypotheker") and have invited a number of foreign players (two Kiwis, three Englishmen, two South Africans and a Froggie) to bolster the best of their Dutch players and play in the Amsterdam Sevens. Our best guess is that they will make the Integer Plate but they could do better.

Wiss the Mama

Wiss the Mama is a Sevens rugby team set up in 2008. All of the players play for Alcobendas Rugby, based in the suburb of Madrid where Penelope Cruz was born (don't you just love Google - unfortunately they are not bringing a Ladies Team). The team were, at the time of writing, second in the National League Division 2. They play regularly, with success, in Sevens Tournaments, including Madrid, Puerto de Santa Mara, Pamplona Sevens and lots of beach rugby. We have no idea how they will do. We think an Integer Plate place is the least we can expect and it could be a lot better.

VGA 15

VGA Saint Maur has a huge pool of young and talented players from their famous Academy. This is their second string team who are most famous not for it's rugby but for it's post match dance. Local heroes Lamouche, Jamon et Jamonperez are in the team. The young "feather brains" (their description, not ours) will be balanced by some older "briscards" (veterans). Organiser Julien Duval would also like to thank Guitou who is looking after "the tactical stuff". Our best guess is an Integer Plate qualification.

Würenlos

Würenlos are back. In 2008 they became the first Swiss team ever to win a game at the Amsterdam Men's 7's when they beat a Dutch Students team 12-5 in the Saturday Pools. They only lost out by a missed conversion, 14-12, to Wyvern Harlequins. Unfortunately for Würenlos, they, the Dutch Students and Wyvern Harlequins had all won one match each and were equal on points. All three were equal on the next selection criteria, having scored 4 tries each. The next selection criteria was tries against and here Würenlos lost out, having conceded 26 tries. Therefore Würenlos finished bottom of their pool by the narrowest of margins and did not get to play on Sunday. If the conversion against Wyvern had gone over they would have been playing in the Heineken Boot. They have replaced some of their older players with younger, faster models and aim to become the First Swiss team to play on Sunday. If they are lucky with the draw for the Saturday pools they could make the Integer Plate, becoming the first Swiss team to play on Sunday. They also plan to drink even more than last year which might mean an early exit. Wrenlos is near Zurich and they play in the Swiss National League B.

Watching on Sunday

Chicken Rozzano

Chicken Rozzana are from Milan and Amsterdam Sevens regulars. Last year they finished bottom of their Saturday pool and did not play on Sunday. They enjoy playing rugby on Saturday but they enjoy the Amsterdam nightlife even more so they usually get to relax at the tournament on Sunday rather than playing. This year we expect them to be watching their colleagues from Milan, Grande Milano for Chicken, on Sunday but they could make the Integer Plate.

Illesheim Blackn Blue

Regular visitors Illesheim Black 'n Blues usually watch on Sunday. In 2007, when a new trial structure meant everyone played on Sunday, they surprised everyone, including themselves, by progressing to the final of the Integer Plate, beating Dutch side Dwingeloo 29 - 26 and Jeddah 38 - 0 on the way. Local Dutch side Waterland spoiled the party by beating Illesheim 12 -0 in the final, the deciding move being a last minute break-away as Illesheim were pressing for an equalising try. After the glory of playing through into Sunday afternoon on the main pitch in 2007 it was back to watching on Sunday in 2008. Dave McNaughton will bring the best team from the players new Commander in Chief Barak Obama leaves in Illesheim Germany. The Black 'N Blues have been coming since 1995 and their highlights are as cherished as they are rare: the Integer Plate final in 2007, Heineken Boot qualification in 1999 and a 14-7 half time lead against the Kenyan National Team in 2000. Sad news from Illesheim is that Manager and Amsterdam Sevens regular, John Sanchez passed away since last year's tournament. We'll miss him. Our prediction is that they will be watching on Sunday. Find out more about Illesheim by visiting blacknbluerugby.com.

Wyvern Harlequins

This invitational sevens side with players from Wimbourne (English League South West 1) and Fordingbridge (Hampshire League 1) and Rosslyn Park. They play many domestic tournaments and for the last two years have played in the Dubai Sevens, reaching the semi-finals of the International Overseas tournament in 2007. Their debut at the Amsterdam Sevens in 2008 resulted in an Integer Plate qualification where Czech team Tatra Smichov put them out on Sunday morning 22-0. The first time in Amsterdam can be a severe test and teams usually do better on subsequent visits. However, we feel an Integer Plate qualification could be the best they will achieve and they could finish up watching on Sunday.

Amstelveen

Amstelveen have never missed a Heineken Amsterdam Sevens and in their glory days were often the best placed Dutch team. After a disastrous season 2007-2008 when injuries and other problems caused them to pull out of the Eredivisie (the top level of Dutch Rugby) they are now rebuilding in mid-table in the second level of Dutch Rugby. Recent form includes Heineken Boot qualification last year where they lost out 19-10 to AAC in an all-Dutch Sunday morning pool, Silver Pier qualification in 2007 and winning the Integer Plate in 2006. Realistically, Integer Plate qualification is the best they can hope for.

Den Haag

Den Haag is one of the top teams in the Netherlands. They qualified for the Silver Pier in 2002 as Llionx Crusaders with some foreign reinforcements and in 2003 as Den Haag with their Dutch players. In 2004 they only qualified for the Integer Plate and lost out in the Sunday pool games to fellow Dutchmen Ascrum. In 2005 and 2006 they made it to the Heineken Boot, reaching the Final in 2005. In 2007 they lost out in the Heineken Boot to Hilversum. In 2008 they finished bottom of their pool and did not play on Sunday. Could make the Integer Plate.

Ascrum

Ascrum, the Amsterdam Students club, get to play every year as we use some of their facilities. In the 15-a-side national leagues their fall from the top level continued this year when they finished bottom of the Eersteeklas, the second level of Dutch Rugby. Recent Amsterdam Sevens form? In 2008 they finished bottom of their Saturday Pool and did not play on Sunday with a points difference of 21-170. In 2007 they won the Heineken Boot, beating fellow cloggies Hilversum 31 - 24 in the final. They made it to the Silver Pier in 2002 and 2006. In 2003 and 2005 they qualified for the Heineken Boot, getting to the semi-final in 2005. In 2004 they had to be content with Integer Plate qualification. This year we think they will struggle to qualify for the Integer Plate.

Global Oysters

Global Oysters are mainly from Dutch Rugby Club Oisterwijk Oysters who play in the Dutch Premier Division. Usually they bring in a few non-Dutch players to strengthen the team. In 2008 they made it to the semi-finals of the Integer Plate where they lost 26-12 to Tatra Smichov, the Czech champions. They made it into the Silver Pier in 2006 and 2007 but did not progress past the Sunday morning games. In 2004 and 2005 they qualified for the Heineken Boot, reached the semi-finals in both years. Currently we have not yet confirmed a place because we are full but we hope to be able to get a place for them. If they play they should make the Integer Plate.

Dental Killers

We are not sure yet if we will be able to fit in Dental Killers this year, we may need a couple of call-offs. We hope we can fit them in. This is a development side for very young (average age 20) and talented players from AAC and other clubs in the North of Holland. Last year they did qualify for the Integer Plate. This year they expect to at least equal that performance with some strengthening from England and the trainers and coaches from the Dutch National U19 team. We expect Integer Plate.